HABITAT’S HUNDREDTH

Building a house with all volunteer labor is impressive, but building 100 houses that way is an accomplishment. Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is planning its 100th building project this summer at 1252 Rutledge St. in Springfi eld. Since its founding in 1989, the Sangamon County branch of the international Christian nonprofi t has completed 97 houses, with plans to build more during this building season. Habitat for Humanity doesn’t give away its houses. The group builds new homes using volunteers, and then provides the homes to low-income buyers at no profi t with zero-interest loans. Along with donations from local businesses, the monthly payments on the already-built homes go toward building further homes. Often, the new homes replace blighted structures that were demolished, bringing new life to neighborhoods. Buyers also typically complete 250 hours of “sweat equity” while working on Habitat projects. Habitat also operates its “ReStore” shop for salvaged building materials. The shop recently moved to 2744 S. Sixth St. in Springfi eld, occupying a previously vacant building. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, visit www.habitatsangamon.com.